Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has announced her intention to resume legislative duties at the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, in accordance with a court ruling that declared her suspension unlawful.

 

This decision comes amid an ongoing appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is seeking to challenge the judgement.

 

Speaking to Channels Television, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had formally written to the Senate notifying them of her plan to return to the Red Chamber, emphasizing that her resumption is backed by law and the judiciary’s verdict.

 

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she stated.

 

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order. It’s not an order; it is a decision.”

 

 

 

The senator further lamented the impact of her suspension on her legislative duties, particularly her inability to sponsor bills or raise motions that directly affect her constituents.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year over undisclosed allegations related to her legislative conduct — a decision that sparked widespread criticism from civil society organizations and rights advocates, who described the suspension as undemocratic and politically motivated.

 

Legal and Political Tensions Loom

 

While the court has ruled in her favour, the Senate leadership appears to be dragging its feet on compliance, citing the ongoing appeal. However, legal experts note that until the appeal overturns the decision, the judgement stands and must be respected.

 

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned return on Tuesday could reignite political tensions within the upper chamber, especially as debates over the limits of legislative authority and the rule of law continue to dominate public discourse.